As a way to expose them to the federal court system and encourage professionalism and civility from the start, some divisions offer a free summer program for law students working in the area during the summer as interns or summer associates. Here is an example of weekly summer programming offered:
| Federal Criminal Practice | Observe a criminal sentencing hearing at the federal courthouse. Lawyers from the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Defender’s Office will be available for questions and a lunchtime discussion afterward. |
| Federal Civil Practice | Observe a hearing on a motion for summary judgment in a breach-of-contract case. After the hearing, join the district judge for a lunchtime discussion about federal civil practice. |
| Federal Appellate Practice | Observe oral arguments on cases pending before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals then have lunch with a judge in that court. |
| Bankruptcy Practice | A bankruptcy judge will give a lunchtime presentation on bankruptcy issues that may arise in federal litigation, followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion. |
| The Naturalization Process | Join an immigration agent for breakfast and a discussion about the naturalization process (and take the test!) before observing a naturalization ceremony. Afterward, join the newly naturalized citizens and their families for a light reception to help celebrate. |
| The Role of United States Magistrate Judges | Join the magistrate judges for a lunchtime discussion on their role in federal court. |
|
Federal Court Decorum
and Business Etiquette |
Join judges and lawyers for a lesson on courtroom decorum and then attend a lunchtime lesson on business and dining etiquette. |
| Agencies Related to Federal Courts |
Join the United States Marshals Service, Pretrial Services, and the Probation Office for a lunchtime discussion. |
| Meet the Clerk's Office and Learn the Federal Electronic Filing System | Take a tour of the clerk’s office to learn about proper filing procedures, followed by a Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) workshop. |